Can Notwane delay Rollers' celebrations?

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Friday April 23, 2010 00:00

Kick off is 7pm. There is daylight between Rollers and second-placed Uniao Flamengo Santos and a win against Notwane tomorrow will see Popa inch closer to their first title in five seasons.

On paper, Rollers should bag an easy three points against a poor Notwane side that is lying ninth.

But Notwane has knack of rising to the occasion in big games and Rollers would be quick to rewind to the first leg where they had to labour to a 3-2 win. The coach of Rollers, Rahman Gumbo is, however, unfazed about meeting Notwane at this crucial stage of the season.

He has seen his side's title chase gather momentum in recent months and would be pleased with the character shown by the players.

Despite the taxing schedule of the Coca-Cola Cup and the league, Rollers have done well to stay in contention in both competitions.

Gumbo said although Notwane always rises to the occasion in high profile matches, his side has enough ammunition to emerge tops.

He said the large pool of players at his disposal is coming handy at this time of the season. 'What we want against Notwane is three points, but I am aware that form does not count in derbies. These are tricky encounters,' Gumbo said. Rollers were ruthless in their last league match, crushing reigning champions, Gaborone United (GU) 4-1.

Since their 3-2 loss to third-placed Mochudi Centre Chiefs in January, Rollers have recovered admirably and now hold a healthy 12-point advantage over Santos in second place. With five games to go, the title is there for Rollers to win unless they suffer an unprecedented loss of form. Rollers only need five points from their remaining games to be crowned champions and pocket P1 million first prize money.

Santos can only finish on 68 points if they win all their remaining matches while Chiefs can get a maximum of 70. If Santos and Chiefs lose this weekend, Rollers will be champions if they beat Notwane.

In other matches, Police XI entertain Boteti Young Fighters in Otse tomorrow while on Sunday, TAFIC, who played Motlakase in Selebi-Phikwe last night, will be away to Santos. ECCO welcome Nico United in Francistown, while there is a mouth-watering tie at the UB Stadium where Chiefs play Extension Gunners. Killer Giants host BDF XI in Lobatse on Sunday